We recently had the opportunity to experience the 2024 Yamaha YZ450FX firsthand at the Ampro Proving Grounds in Union, South Carolina.
This facility holds significance as it serves as the testing and training grounds for the Ampro Yamaha Racing Team under the guidance of Randy Hawkins. Our time there proved to be a memorable occasion as we got to delve into the capabilities of this special bike.
The YZ450FX stands as the off-road variant of Yamaha’s renowned YZ450F motocross bike, which underwent a comprehensive redesign just the year prior.
Continuing in the footsteps of its predecessor, the FX received significant upgrades for the 2024 model year. Among these enhancements are a lighter chassis, a substantially revamped motor, and sleeker bodywork, offering a more expansive riding posture.
Tailored for off-road prowess, the YZ450FX boasts several key adaptations. These include a larger fuel tank, an 18-inch rear wheel, a kickstand, and the integration of an O-ring chain.
While similar models exist from other manufacturers, Yamaha goes the extra mile by incorporating additional features. Notably, it features a wide-ratio gearbox, softer mapping, and suspension tuned for off-road riding, with a 10mm reduction in travel aimed at lowering the seat height.
Our experience with the YZ450FX spanned two days of rigorous testing at the Ampro Proving Grounds before we decided to put it through its paces in a real-world race scenario at the Big Buck GNCC.
This provided invaluable insights into the bike’s performance and capabilities in demanding race conditions. Here’s what we discovered during our time with the YZ450FX.